Skerries RNLI tow broken down motorboat to safety

Skerries RNLI were tasked yesterday afternoon, shortly before 12pm, following a request for assistance to Dublin Coast Guard from two men on board a four metre long motorboat.

The volunteers in Skerries launched their Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat “Louis Simson” within minutes of the pagers sounding.

The lifeboat was navigated around the headland at red island and proceeded south towards the position provided to the Coast Guard by the men.

The casualty vessel was quickly located at anchor between Lambay island and Rogerstown estuary.

After assessing the situation and learning that the boat had suffered an electrical issue, the Helm of the lifeboat decided that the safest course of action was to tow the boat, with the men on board, to the nearest suitable berth at Malahide marina.

Once the boat was safely alongside in the marina, the lifeboat navigated back out through the channel in Malahide and returned to the station in Skerries.

The boat was washed down, refuelled and made ready for the next service.

Conditions at the time were force two to three south westerly wind with a slight swell and excellent visibility.

Speaking about the call out, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for Skerries RNLI, Gerry Canning said:

“The call out today highlights the importance when going to sea of having a means to call the shore for help.

“No matter how experienced you are, things can go wrong at sea.

“The men were well prepared and were able to call for help early and provide an accurate location to the Coast Guard.”